# XVI: Jim, the Cab-Horse explained — Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz

> Chapter companion for Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz by L. Frank Baum.

## What happens

Jim the cab-horse adjusts to life in the Emerald City, asserting his identity as a real horse in contrast to the wooden Sawhorse. He meets the Cowardly Lion and the Hungry Tiger, who befriend him for Dorothy's sake. Dorothy reunites with her old friends and shares her adventures, while the Gump's Head briefly speaks to her. The chapter highlights Jim's pride, the animals' camaraderie, and the magical oddities of Oz.

## Themes in this chapter

### Friendship and Loyalty

The Lion and Tiger befriend Jim for Dorothy's sake, and Dorothy's warm reunion with her animal friends underscores loyalty.

### Transformation and Identity

Jim grapples with his identity as a 'real horse' in a land of magical creatures, while the Sawhorse accepts its artificial nature.

### Hospitality and Generosity

The Emerald City's attendants serve Jim with respect, and the Lion and Tiger offer friendship despite initial tension.

## Character check-ins

### Jim the Cab-Horse

Jim is the central figure, asserting his real horse nature, dining on oatmeal, and meeting the Sawhorse, Lion, and Tiger.

### The Sawhorse

The Sawhorse introduces himself to Jim, discusses his wooden nature, and later introduces the Lion and Tiger.

### The Cowardly Lion

The Lion arrives with the Hungry Tiger, greets Jim, and warmly welcomes Dorothy back to Oz.

### The Hungry Tiger

The Tiger accompanies the Lion, teases Jim about being tough, and expresses his conscience-driven restraint.

### Dorothy Gale

Dorothy reunites with the Lion and Tiger, tells them about the earthquake, and later speaks with the Gump's Head and Ozma.

### Princess Ozma

Ozma greets Dorothy with a kiss and invites her to breakfast, showing her role as the ruler of Oz.

## Key lines

> “This, noble Horse, is my friend the Cowardly Lion, who is the valiant King of the Forest, but at the same time a faithful vassal of Princess Ozma. And this is the Hungry Tiger, the terror of the jungle, who longs to devour fat babies but is prevented by his conscience from doing so.”

The Sawhorse introduces the Cowardly Lion and the Hungry Tiger to Jim, explaining their roles and the Tiger's moral restraint.

_This introduction establishes the animals' characters and their connection to Ozma and Dorothy._

> “You are at least six feet high, and that is higher than any other animal in this country,” said the Steward. “Well, my Highness would like some oats,” declared the horse.

The Royal Steward addresses Jim as 'Highness' due to his height, and Jim requests oats for dinner.

_Jim's arrogance grows from the respect he receives, contrasting his former life as a servant._

> “Is it possible that you are a Real Horse?” he murmured. “Not only possible, but true,” replied Jim, who was gratified by the impression he had created.

The Sawhorse asks if Jim is a real horse, and Jim proudly confirms it, pleased to be recognized.

_This exchange highlights Jim's pride in his natural form versus the Sawhorse's artificiality._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dorothy_and_the_wizard_in_oz_se/chapters/xvi-jim-the-cab-horse
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dorothy_and_the_wizard_in_oz_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dorothy_and_the_wizard_in_oz_se/chapters